Kenmore 153.33443 - Manual (Page 21)

Housekeeping Temperature-Pressure Relief Valve Operation
Vacuum around base of water heater for dust, dirt, and lint on a
regular basis.
^DANGER
Fire and Explosion Hazard
Do not obstruct combustion air
openings at the bottom of the
water heater.
Do not use or store flammable
vapor products such as gasoline,
solvents
or adhesives in the
same room or area near water
heater or other appliance.
Visibly inspect air intake screen
at least once every six months
and dean if accumulated lint.
Can cause serious injury or
death.
AT LEAST ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS A VISUAL
INSPECTION SHOULD BE MADE OF THE AIR
INTAKE
SCREEN. CLEAN IF LINT
ACCUMULATIONS ARE NOTICED.
INSTALLED IN SUITABLE AREA: To insure sufficient ventilation
and combustion air supply, proper clearances from the water
heater must be maintained. See Facts to Consider About the
Location section. Combustible materials such as clothing,
cleaning materials, or flammable liquids, etc. must not be
placed against or adjacent to the water heater because they
could catch on fire.
Anode Rod Inspection
CAUTION
Property Damage Hazard
’ Avoid water heater damage.
' Inspection and replacement of anode rod required.
The anode rod is used to protect the tank from corrosion. Most
hot water tanks are equipped with an anode rod. The
submerged rod deteriorates to protect the tank. Instead of
corroding the tank, water ions attack and eat away the anode
rod. This does not affect the water’s taste or color. The rod
must be maintained to keep the tank in operating condition.
Anode deterioration depends on water conductivity, not
necessarily water condition. A corroded or pitted anode rod
indicates high water conductivity and should be checked and/
or replaced more often than an anode rod that appears to be
intact. Replacement of a depleted anode rod can extend the
life of your water heater. Inspection should be conducted by
calling the Sears Service Center for an authorized contractor.
At a minimum, the anode(s) should be checked annually after
the warranty period.
The temperature-pressure relief valve must be manually
operated at least once a year.
When checking the temperature-pressure relief valve operation,
make sure that (1 ) no one is in front of or around the outlet of
the temperature-pressure relief valve discharge line, and (2) that
the water discharge will not cause any property damage, as the
water may be extremely hot, see Figure 24.
If after manually operating the valve, it fails to completely
reset and continues to release water, immediately close the
cold water inlet to the wafer heater, follow the draining
instructions, and replace the temperature-pressure relief valve
with a new one.
If the temperature-pressure relief valve on the appliance weeps
or discharges periodically, this may be due to thermal
expansion. You may have a check valve installed in the water
line or a water meter with a check valve. Consult the Sears
Service Center for further information. Do not plug the
temperature-pressure relief valve.
Draining
The water heater should be drained if being shut down during
freezing temperatures. Also periodic draining and cleaning of
sediment from the tank may be necessary.
1 Turn the gas control knob to the "OFF” position.
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